A Guide To Pentagon Memorial

Things to do / Highlights

Honour the victims

Stroll through the expansive memorial created to honour the civilians and Pentagon workers who lost their lives on 9-11 when their plane was highjacked and torpedoed into the Pentagon. Visit during the evening when the memorial is illuminated in order to see the yellow ribbons eerily light up the evening sky.

Landscaping design

Surrounding the Memorial Units are 85 Cape Myrtle trees which are dedicated to all victims of the September 11 attacks on the Pentagon and American Airlines Flight 77. Eventually, these trees will grow to a heigh of 30 feet (9.1 metres) providing a lush canopy over Pentagon Memorial where visitors can reflect on the events under their refreshing shade. The wall provides solitude for visitors from busy Washington Boulevard’s traffic and Arlington County Bike Path.

The Age Wall

The Pentagon Memorial is bordered along its western edge by a unique design feature–the Age Wall. Based on the ages of the victims the wall rises from 3 inches through to 71 inches (8 centimetres to 180 centimetres) to recognize the ages of the lives lost from the youngest to the oldest victims of the attacks.

Remember the precious lives

Take time to dwell on the lives taken on American Airlines Flight 77 and the Pentagon by reading the details of each victim noted on the memorial benches. During the evening, the light reflects eerily off the pool of water beside the bench, helping visitors reflect on the precious lives lost on September 11, 2001.

Audio tour

Pick up a headset to listen to the 24-minute audio recounting of the devastating terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, on the Pentagon. Listen to the history of the Pentagon along with the purpose behind the construction of Pentagon Memorial.

Photo gallery

Wander through the halls of Pentagon Memorial to gaze at the photo gallery recalling through photographs the harrowing events of 9/11, its heroes, and victims. Spend time looking over the pictures and designs of Pentagon Memorial and its dedication ceremony. If possible, try to stop by Pentagon Memorial on September 11 for the annual patriotic observance and commemorative tribute to the heroes of September 11.

What to eat

Before visiting Pentagon Memorial to pay tribute to those who lost their lives on 9/11, indulge in a delicious meal. There are numerous options of restaurants located within walking distance including an overwhelming number specializing in fast food or higher-end fast-food cuisine.

Sine Irish Pub & Restaurant

Start off with an overflowing platter of pachos which are nachos with potato slices topped with jalapenos, tomatoes, cheddar, scallions, bacon, and ranch sauce. Indulge in authentic Irish classics such as Guinness battered fish and chips, flavourful Shepherd’s pie, or corned beef and cabbage. Finish off with a slice of creamy Bailey’s Irish cream cheesecake before resuming shopping at Pentagon City Mall.

Shake Shack

Make certain to visit this popular hamburger joint that originated in New York and currently boasts numerous domestic and international locations. Savour every bite of your juicy bacon cheeseburger, perfectly crisp, crinkle-cut fries, and delicious blackberry pie frozen custard dessert. Wash down your delicious shack combo with a glass of freshly squeezed, sparkling raspberry ginger lemonade.

Travellers tips

To be respectful of fellow visitors and the commemorative memorial site, in general, there are few guidelines to adhere to. Get the most out of your visit to the tranquil setting of Pentagon Memorial by arriving in the right frame of mind by following the travellers’ tips listed below.

Mobility issues

Those hoping to visit the Pentagon Memorial with mobility challenges can park in the five spaces in Lane 1 of Pentagon South Parking Lot. Just make certain that your disabled parking permit is displayed during the time your vehicle will be parked. Pentagon Memorial’s paved pathway provides easy travelling through the park finishing off with wheelchair nooks in the perimeter bench at the end of each age line in six locations. Restrooms are easily accessible to those visiting with wheelchairs and electric scooters.

Conduct

Photography is only allowed inside Pentagon Memorial and not near the actual Pentagon building. When visiting please make certain to conduct yourself in a respectful manner befitting the site. Prohibited items to the entire Pentagon area include firearms, fireworks, alcoholic beverages, narcotics, and dangerous substances. Commercialism and political soliciting in all forms are strictly prohibited on the grounds of the memorial and the Pentagon.

How to get there

There are many ways to reach the Pentagon Memorial for those staying in adjacent Washington DC or Arlington, Virginia. Taking the train to the Pentagon City or Pentagon stations is advisable for those wishing to visit the memorial since parking is extremely limited.

Bus

Board Line 16C or 29G to be transported to the massive Pentagon Memorial. Check the website to discover fare details and current transit schedules.

Train

Get on board the Fredericksburg line to arrive safely and quickly at Pentagon Memorial to pay homage to the fallen heroes of flight 77.

Metro

Hop on board one of Washington’s inexpensive and very efficient rapid transit metro trains to experience Pentagon Memorial. Board the metro blue or yellow line to Pentagon Memorial.

Pentagon Memorial information

Pentagon Memorial

Address: 1 North Rotary Road, Arlington, VA 22202

Official website: Pentagon Memorial

Tourism board website: Visit Arlington

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free